Kentucky Sen. Damon Thayer reaffirmed his support for a constitutional amendment on expanded gambling Feb. 9, and in the wake of allegations he has conflicts of interest, released a client list for his consulting business.
3 days agoA lawsuit over legislative redistricting and the resulting extension of the filing deadline for the November election has stalled action on a constitutional amendment on expanded gambling in Kentucky.
Thursday, February 02, 2012
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear said Jan. 31 he expects a casino gambling amendment to be introduced "in a few days," and again accused Republican Sen. President David Williams of attempting to derail the process.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
The parameters of a constitutional amendment on casino-style gambling in Kentucky have been agreed upon, and legislation will be introduced soon, the governor's office said Jan. 25.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Legislation that would impose an excise tax on advance deposit wagers made by Kentucky residents was introduced in the state House of Representatives Jan. 9.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012Bipartisan efforts to get a constitutional amendment on casino gambling on the 2012 ballot in Kentucky continued Dec. 29 when Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear met with Republican Sen. Damon Thayer.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
The Kentucky General Assembly probably will consider legislation in 2012 that taxes bets made by Kentucky residents through advance deposit wagering systems to bolster the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011The Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council, citing its statutory mission, will be involved in the debate over race-day medication, officials said May 25.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear May 2 ceremonially signed into law the Interstate Racing and Wagering Compact legislation sponsored by Republican Sen. Damon Thayer.
Monday, May 02, 2011
Legislation authorizing Kentucky to join the proposed National Racing Compact is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Committee on State and Local Government Feb. 9.
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Republican Kentucky Sen. Damon Thayer has pre-filed a bill that would authorize an interstate racing and wagering compact with Kentucky as a member.
Monday, December 20, 2010There may be growing sentiment in the Kentucky legislature to pass a measure authorizing a constitutional amendment on racetrack gaming, officials indicated after the Nov. 2 election.
Saturday, November 06, 2010A Kentucky Horse Racing Commission committee is considering changes to the state's Breeders' Incentive Fund, money for which comes from a 6% sales tax on stud fees.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
On the heels of a successful opening weekend at Ellis Park comes word of a few initiatives that, if they come to fruition, could generate or repurpose revenue for Kentucky racing. But will it be enough?
Monday, July 12, 2010
As Breeders' Cup considers a future host site schedule complicated by recent actions in California, a Kentucky lawmaker has reiterated the state's favorable tax climate in hosting the World Championships.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Legislation offering a financial incentive to Breeders' Cup if it commits to holding the World Championships in Kentucky in 2011, 2012, or both years, was signed into law by Gov. Steve Beshear April 6.
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Legislation to authorize Instant Racing at Kentucky racetracks apparently won't come up again anytime soon.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Republican Kentucky Sen. Damon Thayer spent more than an hour March 18 in a GOP caucus in an attempt to make a case for Instant Racing via statutory approval.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Legislation to aid the horse industry in Kentucky may be dead after developments in the state capital March 17.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Legislation authorizing Instant Racing, a tax on advance deposit wagering, and a reduction in the pari-mutuel excise tax sailed through the Kentucky Senate Committee on State and Local Government March 11.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
A poll indicating strong support for racetrack video lottery terminals -- and even stronger support for a constitutional amendment on the issue -- generated plenty of talk among Kentucky legislators Feb. 3.
Thursday, February 04, 2010Legislation calling for a constitutional amendment on any expansion of gambling in Kentucky passed a Senate committee Jan. 20 on a predictable party-line vote.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
A Kentucky lawmaker has again requested an opinion from the state attorney general as to whether Instant Racing machines are legal under pari-mutuel statutes.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
As the Kentucky Equine Education Project vows to continue its legislative push for racetrack gaming, a state lawmaker plans to move forward with his plan for statewide and local option votes on gaming.
Monday, December 14, 2009The Kentucky Breeders Incentive Fund could be reduced by 30% because of declining revenue, while horse farms "can't withstand another year like 2009," Kentucky lawmakers were told Nov. 10 during a meeting of the Joint Subcommittee on Horse Farming.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009Republican Kentucky Sen. Damon Thayer has prefiled legislation calling for a constitutional amendment to authorize racetrack video lottery terminals.
Friday, November 06, 2009
Kentucky's horse racing and breeding industry plans to stand its ground in the wake of a proposal for a constitutional amendment on gaming some have characterized as a politically-motivated stall tactic.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
A Kentucky Thoroughbred breeder said Republican lawmakers plan to push for a constitutional amendment on racetrack gaming, but a spokesperson for the state's Senate leader said that's not the case.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009Kentucky legislation authorizing a pari-mutuel tax exemption for the Breeders' Cup World Championships was modified to allow for one-day or two-day events and sets a lower purse minimum to qualify for the exemption.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Republican Sen. Damon Thayer, under heavy fire from some in the Kentucky horse industry for not being publicly proactive on racetrack gaming legislation, on June 25 outlined his position on the issue and claimed that a "political war" would only hinder the industry.
Thursday, June 25, 2009The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission announced March 27 the Kentucky Breeders' Incentive Fund will distribute more than $18.7 million in awards for 2008.
Friday, March 27, 2009
A 187-page bill that passed the Kentucky Senate March 13 includes provisions for a tax break for the Breeders' Cup World Championships if the event is held in Kentucky in 2011 or 2012, or 2011 and 2012.
Monday, March 16, 2009
The multi-year quest for a stable funding source for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission took another turn March 10 when legislation to increase the powers of the KHRC unanimously passed a Senate committee. Whether the bill is approved--and whether the commission gets a new funding source--could be determined on the Senate floor.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009A Kentucky lawmaker is preparing racing-related legislation with a primary goal of funding the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, equine drug testing, and supplements for purses and stakes at the state's racetracks.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
It's hard to believe that just three and a half months after breaking ground, Pinnacle Race Course in Michigan is ready to open its doors to the public July 18.
Monday, July 14, 2008
A Kentucky legislator plans to pre-file a bill for 2009 that would provide dedicated funding for the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority and create a new fund to supplement purses for all breeds at Kentucky racetracks.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear has vetoed a provision in the state General Assembly's $19-billion budget that would keep smaller racetracks in the state from paying a daily assessment to support Kentucky Horse Racing Authority operations. Legislators on April 15 took no action to override the veto as the General Assembly session came to a close.
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Los Angeles media market and its attractiveness to sponsors played a key role in the decision by Breeders' Cup to tab Santa Anita Park as a host site for two consecutive years, Breeders' Cup president Greg Avioli said.
Friday, February 08, 2008Kentucky legislators said tax relief for the horse industry and dedicated funding for the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority will be prominent issues when the state General Assembly convenes in 2008.
Thursday, September 20, 2007The Kentucky Breeders Incentive Program, which began offering financial awards for various breeds of horses in 2006, is poised to increase by 20%--to about $18 million or $19 million--next year.
Monday, September 10, 2007The Sales Integrity Task Force submitted its first report to Kentucky lawmakers at a Joint Interim Committee on Licensing and Occupations meeting June 19 in Erlanger, Ky.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007Kentucky lawmakers differ on the reasons legislation that would have provided stable funding for the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority died during this year's General Assembly session. Meanwhile, a call has gone out for legislators to rally around a push for expanded gambling in the state.
Thursday, March 29, 2007Legislation that would have provided about $5 million a year to fund the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority died in the final days of the state's 2007 General Assembly session.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007Time is running out for legislation that would provide the Kentucky Horse Racing Authority with about $5 million a year and spare racetracks the cost of equine drug testing.
Wednesday, March 21, 2007Though Breeders' Cup officials believe Churchill Downs is a premier host site for the World Championships, the rebuilt clubhouse at the Kentucky racetrack has created a problem providing quality seating for guests of Breeders' Cup.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006Tax relief for the horse industry, not racetrack gaming, will be the focus of the Kentucky Equine Education Project during the 2007 General Assembly session, according to the chairman of the organization.
Thursday, October 05, 2006Gov. Ernie Fletcher has vetoed the legislature's elimination of an operating fee paid to the KHRA by the state's racetracks, but it won't have an impact on funds expected by the authority this year.
Tuesday, May 02, 2006A $13.5-million appropriation for an expansion of the Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center in Lexington is among the budget line items vetoed by Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher.
Tuesday, April 25, 2006More than $15 million for horse industry-related projects and financial relief is included in the 2006-07 budget approved April 11 by the Kentucky General Assembly. The spending plan now goes to Republican Gov. Ernie Fletcher for consideration.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006Legislation that would protect buyers and sellers in equine transactions unanimously passed the Kentucky Senate March 15 and now heads to the House of Representatives for concurrence. The House previously approved a different version of the bill.
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
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